From Bourbon Street to Broadway: A Homecoming for Roz White in 'Hell's Kitchen'
Get ready to be captivated! Actress Roz White is returning to New Orleans next week, not just as a visitor, but as a star in the Broadway National Tour of Alicia Keys' electrifying musical, “Hell’s Kitchen,” gracing the stage at the Saenger Theatre. But this isn't just another gig; it's a homecoming!
White's connection to the city runs deep, having lived and performed on Bourbon Street from 2002 to 2005. She's eager to reunite with the musicians from the French Quarter, who often invite her to join them on stage.
"I worked at the Famous Door and Fat Catz Music Club, singing Top 40, R&B, and jazz," White recalls. "Most of the musicians I worked with back then are still there."
In “Hell’s Kitchen,” White embodies Miss Liza Jane, a crucial mentor and teacher to Ali, the character inspired by Alicia Keys herself. This musical is a deeply personal project for Keys, spanning 15 years from its inception to its Broadway debut in 2024. While the original production continues to dazzle audiences at the Schubert Theatre in New York City, the touring company is set to visit over 30 cities in its inaugural year.
White's career is a testament to her dedication, celebrating 40 years as an arts professional and educator. Armed with a Bachelor's in Musical Theater from Howard University and a Master's in Education, she knew early on that the stage was her destiny, a passion ignited by seeing "Dreamgirls" at the National Theater in Washington, D.C., at just 12 years old.
Her journey continued at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, where, at 16, she landed a role in "Bubbling Brown Sugar" after being hand-picked from the choir. By 19, she was already touring in "Dreamgirls."
And this is the part most people miss...
During the '80s, opportunities for young Black girls in the arts were limited, and racial stereotypes often dictated casting. White's experience reflects a time when stories about the Black experience were beginning to emerge in musical theater. She focused on the Black musical theater canon while at Howard University, but later realized the importance of studying the entire musical theater catalogue.
White's mentors always emphasized the importance of creating her own opportunities. She embraced this by writing and performing "The Woman I Am" for her senior project at Howard. She has since continued to tell women's stories, including cabaret performances like "Pearl Bailey by Request" and "Roberta’s First Take," which tells the story of songstress Roberta Flack.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Interestingly, White's role in the touring company is a full-circle moment. She was initially considered for the Broadway production but had a prior commitment. After expressing her disappointment, her castmates assured her the role would return. Shortly after finishing her engagement in Arizona, she was called to audition for the touring company of "Hell's Kitchen," and she got the part after performing for Alicia Keys. She prepared for weeks, learning to play a piano onstage. White will be with the touring company until 2028.
"An actor’s dream is steady employment," White says. "And with a production of this caliber, it’s just a thrill!"
"Hell’s Kitchen" will run from Dec. 30 to Jan. 4, excluding New Year’s Eve. Tickets are available at saengernola.com, BroadwayInNewOrleans.com, or by calling (504) 287-0372.
What are your thoughts on the evolution of roles for Black performers in musical theater? Do you think it's important for artists to create their own opportunities? Share your opinions in the comments below!
